Frozen rear suspension/linkage-HELP!

[MichiGator]

Got a mint '86 KDX 200. After letting the nephew thrash on it the other day, we noticed that the rear suspension was sitting real low (rear fender not returning to its normal height). I sat on the bike and immediatley noticed that the bike was sitting much lower in the rear-also noticed that it seemed like we had no shock anymore-it acted like just a spring back there for suspension . however, you could not lift the rear end up (there was no "sag" to the suspension-it was like it was FROZEN half way down the stroke). Upon further review of the linkage, rear shock/swingarm, etc., we noticed that the top linkage bolt had worked its way about half way out of the linkage and is now on about a 30 degree angle sticking out of the linkage with no nut holding on the other side. What to do now? Its like the suspension got halfway through the stroke and then the bolt must have come loose and wedged in the linkage. The really odd thing is that the rear suspension has no shock action at all-its like it is a spring with only 6 inches of travel. I cannot lift up the rear suspension as it is locked up tight yet the bike still has travel.It seems I should unload the rear shock and then get that bolt out and then tear everything down and replace/regrease, etc. BUT everything back there seems to be under heavy pressure with a bolt halfway out of the linkage-makes me not want to just try to force the bolt out? WHat are the proper steps to break this down and fix it myself (I think the shock is probably OK)or should I just bite the bullet and take it to the local shop and pay the man. Thanks in advance for any feedback

 

[junkjeeps]

Sounds like everything is just in a bind. I would do like you said and get the bolt out yourself, look everything over and try putting it back together. You've got nothing to lose but time. The dealer is going to charge $$$ to do the same thing you described.